Control for christmas tree lighting

ABSTRACT

A control for Christmas tree lighting wherein a plurality of varying light intensity effects are produced and in a predetermined sequential order throughout all the lighting strings of a tree to result in a twinkling or shimmering effect heretofore unobtainable with any form or combination of flasher.

United States Patent Davis, Jr. May 21, 1974 CONTROL FOR CHRISTMAS TREE I LIGHTING [56] References Cited [76] Inventor: George B. Davis, Jr., 7512 Marbury UNITED STATES PATENTS Rd., Bethesda, Md. 20034 3,748,488 7/1973 Davis 307/l8 [22] Filed Mar 19 1973 2,087,636 7/1937 Baumann 340/335 X [21] Appl. No.: 342,433 Primary ExaminerI-Ierman Hohauser Relnted US. Application Data [57] ABSTRACT [63] gg ggz'wg g f lg 32 242627 A control for Christmas tree lighting wherein a plurality of varying light intensity effects are produced and [52] us CL 307/ 315/363 in a predetermined sequential order throughout all the [51] CL 6 37/00 lighting strings of a tree to result in a twinkling or [58 Field assist; ar/s 1, 132 149- shimmering f t hmwfore obtainable with any 323/48; 340/335, 278 279; 315/291 317, form or combination of flasher.

360, 363 13 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures mamauwzl 191 38121380 SHEU 1 0f 2 CONTROL FOR CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING This is a continuation in part of U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 242,627 filed April 10, 1972 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,488.

This invention relates generally to Christmas tree lighting and more particularly to a Christmas tree lighting control that, when in operation, produces a continuously changing lighting intensity throughout all the lighting strings of a tree and in a predetermined order to result in a twinkling or shimmering effect rather than the conventional method of making and breaking the circuit through the lamps to produce a flashing or by so reducing the voltage thereto as to produce a similar flashing result.

With the increasing desire of the public for move ment or action in Christmas tree lighting, the use of string flashers or individual flasher bulbs has become widely accepted. While such devices do relieve the lifelessness of a lighted tree, the violent action of flashing lights can become quite annoying particularly when such flashing affects the entire string. This is generally the case even when not looking directly at the tree. The on and off of any light source within a room, such as the flashing of tree lights, can become quite distracting.

This is particularly true when the flashing of two or.

more strings reach a condition of synchronization soas to flash simultaneously. Such a condition will invariably occur when any flasher apparatus operates individually whether in bulbs or strings.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved Christmas tree lighting control which, when in operation, produces a plurality of light intensity changes and as applied to all the lighting strings of a tree and in a predetermined sequence or order.

A further object is to provide a control for Christmas tree lighting wherein the circuits to the lighting strings are never interrupted to cause flashing, but produces a continual change in lighting intensity and in such a manner as to effect a twinkling or shimmering of the lights of the entire tree in predetermined timed sequence.

A still further object is to provide a Christmas tree lighting control that will effect a plurality of Christmas tree lighting strings simultaneously and in a manner to produce a coordination of lighting effects between the individual strings without materially varying the overall light intensity of the system.

A further object is to provide a light intensity control for Christmass tree lighting which will operate equally well with lights wired either parellel or in series and which, if desired, may be used in combination with the conventional individual flasher bulb.

In order that this invention may be more readily understood, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view in elevation of the assembled device of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view, partly cut-away of the invention as assembled beneath the cover.

FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic variation of the invention and showing the position of the cam with all contacts in a closed position.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the cam with two contacts of the control closed.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the cam with all contacts of the control open or separated.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, wherein is shown the assembled device of the present invention and as will be generally designated 5 and to which may be connected strings of Christmas tree lights with the lights being either of the parallel or series wired types. The assembly 5 includes a mounting base 6 to which the perforated cover 7 is attached and wherein is enclosed the working mechanism of the device. The connector and power supply cord 8 provides .means for electrically connecting the device to a conventional volt a.c. power supply source.

Extending from the side of the cover in the manner shown, is a number of electrical outlets 9 and into which, when in use, strings of Christmas tree lights are plugged. The lead wires l0 to the. various outlets may be of any length desired, preferably, sufficiently long as to extend well into the tree for easy access to the lighting strings while allowing the control to rest beneath the tree or possibly some distance away.

FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of the various components of the device within the cover 7 and which is here shown as cut-away. The motor and gear reduction drive 12, is mounted within the bracket member 13 and secured to the base 6 as by screws 14. Supported upon a shaft 15 between the bracket at 16 and the motor and driven by the motor, are a number of cam members 17 that may be of any configeration suitable for closing in predetermined sequence contact members 18, 19, and 20 to produce the lighting effect desired and which will hereafter be more fully described. Contact member 18, 19, and 20 are preferably molded within the insulating block 21.

The voltage source or power supply of the device includes, along with the line voltage input 25, solid state units 26, 27, 28, and 29 each having two differing duty cycle outputs 30 and 31. These units may be of any suitable duty cycle type such as the commonly known SCR or diac and triac variety, however, certain transistor assemblies will suffice. The duty interval of the outputs 30 and 31 may, if desired, be slightly varied between differing units to provide for further light intensity changes throughout the lights of the tree for a more varied and pleasing efiect.

From the electrical schematic of FIG. 3 it will be noted that the lowest duty cycle output 30 is continuously in circuit with the lights of the strings 33 and also with the contact member 18. This structure provides that at all times the light intensity output of the strings will never drop below that established by the duly cycle of the output 30. The contact member 19 is shown as electrically connected to the output 31 which has a duty interval greater than that of the output 30 and thereby as contact member 18 is forced by cam 17 into electrical engagement with the contact member 19, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the duty cycle interval to the lamps is increased to result in a brightening of the lamps over their initial luminous state. As the contacts members 18 and 19 are further forced bythe cam into electrical contact with the contact member 20, as in FIG. 4, line voltage from 25 is applied through the contacts to the strings to result in full lamp brightness. During this operation of shunting out the various duty cycle outputs there is no flashing or flickering of the lamps of the string as would be the case were switching employed for connecting sequentially the various voltage inputs to the light strings. The order and rate at which these contacts members 18, IQ, and 20 are closed can be selectively established by the configuration of the earns 17 and the motor speed. For example, contacts 18 and 19 may be made to close, say twice, to the final closing of all three contacts to produce a more staggered lighting effect. The interval of their closing time may be varied by the shape of the cam as related to the motor speed.

FIG. 4, 5, and 6 shows an alternate form of the device wherein instead of the power supply of each unit including two SCR or triac and diac circuits, the unit 35 includes only one and with one output 36. The contacts members 38, 39, and 40 here are connected across segments of the resistor 41 wired in the gate triggering circuit of the duty cycle unit and in operation successively shorts out sections of the resistor as the cam 17 moves the contact members 38, 39, and 40 together. This shorting out of portions of the resistor 41 produces differing fixed duty cycle changes in the output 36 and thereby fixed light intensity changes in the lighting strings connected therewith. With this structure, as with that shown in FIG. 3, the circuit to the lamp strings is never interrupted in a manner to cause flashing or flickering but results in a slow soft positive change in light output intensities throughout the lighting strings of a tree and taking place at individually established intervals that is most restful and pleasing to observe.

The duty cycle of the unit as herein referred to shall be understood to mean the ratio between the portion of the cycle that the unit is on or passing current to the off time of the cycle when no current or relatively no current is passing. These on and off intervals occur very rapidly with the relative duration, of these intervals being controlled by the design of the gate or triggering circuit to the SCR, triac or such similar electronic elements of the circuitry. The duty cycle or conducting interval of the cycle as it relates to the off interval, determines the relative heating and cooling time of the incandescent lamp filament and consequently the light intensity output of the lighting source.

While two variations of the device is herein shown, it is understood that minor structural and circuit modification may be resorted to without departing from the inventive concept as herein disclosed.

What I therefore claim and desire to cover by letters patent is:

l. A Christmas tree lighting control including in combination a power supply having at least one solid state duty cycle unit said unit having an single output of selectively different fixed duty cycles, an electrical outlet electrically connected to said output for connecting thereto one or more strings of Christmas tree lights, a motor drive, control means movable by said drive to effect selectively and in predetermined sequence fixed changes in the duty cycle to said output without interruption of the circuit to said outlet.

2. A Christmas tree lighting control as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said solid state duty cycle unit in said power supply includes a resistor controlled gate triggering circuit with the resistence value of said resistor controlling the duty cycle rate of said unit, said control being operative to alter in fixed increments the resistance valve of said resistor when driven by said motor drive.

3. A Christmas tree lighting control as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said solid state duty cycle unit in said power supply includes resistor means for controlling the gate triggering circuit the value of said resistor means determining the duty cycle of said unit, said control means being operative, when driven by said motor drive, to intermittently short out fixed portions of said resistor means at predetermined intervals to alter selectively the duty interval of said unit.

4. A light intensity control for Christmas tree lighting including in combination, a power supply having at least one solid state duty-cycle unit, a gate triggering circuit for controlling the duty cycle rate of said unit, anelectrical outlet continuously in circuit with said power supply for connecting thereto one or more strings of Christmas tree lights, resistor means connected for controlling the gate triggering circuit of said duty cycle unit, means for altering in fixed predetermined increments the resistance value of said resistor means without interruption of said continuous circuit between said power supply and said outlet.

5. A light intensity control as claimed in claim 4 wherein the resistance value of said resistor means is altered by sections of said resistor means being intermittently shorted out.

6. A light intensity control as claimed in claim 4 wherein movable means alter the resistance value of said resistor means by moving together successively in common electrical engagement contact members connected at resistance differing position along said resistor means to short out sections of said resistor means.

7. A light intensity control as claimed in claim 4 wherein the light intensity output of said connected Christmas tree lighting string is never deminished by more than 'percent from full brightness.

8. A lighting control as claimed in claim 4 wherein movable means alter the resistance value of said resistor means by moving together in predetermined sequential order, control members connected at resistance differing positions along said resistor means.

9. A Christmas tree lighting control as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light intensity output of said Christmas tree lighting string is never diminished by more than 80 percent from full brightness.

10. A christmas tree lighting control including in combination a power supply having at least one solid state duty cycle unit, said unit having an output of selectively different fixed duty cycles, one or more strings of Christmas tree lights electrically connected to said output, control means operable to effect predetermined fixed changes in the duty cycle of said unit without interruption of the circuit to said Christmas tree string.

11. A Christmas tree lighting control as claimed in claim 10 wherein the said solid state duty cycle unit in said power supply includes a resistor controlled gate triggering cricuit with the resistance value of said resistor controlling the duty cycle rate of said unit, said control being operative to alter in pre-established fixed increments the resistance valve of said resistor.

12. A Christmas tree lighting control as claimed in claim 10 wherein the light intensely output from said lighting string is never diminished by more than 80 percent from full brightness.

13. A Christmas tree lighting control including in combination a power supply having at least one solid being determined by the duty cycle of said unit, control means operable to selectively effect predetermined fixed changes in the duty cycle of said output without interruption of the circuit to said lighting string. 

1. A Christmas tree lighting control including in combination a power supply having at least one solid state duty cycle unit said unit having an single output of selectively different fixed duty cycles, an electrical outlet electrically connected to said output for connecting thereto one or more strings of Christmas tree lights, a motor drive, control means movable by said drive to effect selectively and in predetermined sequence fixed changes in the duty cycle to said output without interruption of the circuit to said outlet.
 2. A Christmas tree lighting control as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said solid state duty cycle unit in said power supply includes a resistor controlled gate triggering circuit with the resistence value of said resistor controlling the duty cycle rate of said unit, said control being operative to alter in fixed increments the resistance valve of said resistor when driven by said motor drive.
 3. A Christmas tree lighting control as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said solid state duty cycle unit in said power supply includes resistor means for controlling the gate triggering circuit the value of said resistor means determining the duty cycle of said unit, said control means being operative, when driven by said motor drive, to intermittently short out fixed portions of said resistor means at predetermined intervals to alter selectively the duty interval of said unit.
 4. A light intensity control for Christmas tree lighting including in combination, a power supply having at least one solid state duty-cycle unit, a gate triggering circuit for controlling the duty cycle rate of said unit, an electrical outlet continuously in circuit with said power supply for connecting thereto one or more strings of Christmas tree lights, resistor means connected for controlling the gate triggering circuit of said duty cycle unit, means for altering in fixed predetermined increments the resistance valuE of said resistor means without interruption of said continuous circuit between said power supply and said outlet.
 5. A light intensity control as claimed in claim 4 wherein the resistance value of said resistor means is altered by sections of said resistor means being intermittently shorted out.
 6. A light intensity control as claimed in claim 4 wherein movable means alter the resistance value of said resistor means by moving together successively in common electrical engagement contact members connected at resistance differing position along said resistor means to short out sections of said resistor means.
 7. A light intensity control as claimed in claim 4 wherein the light intensity output of said connected Christmas tree lighting string is never deminished by more than 80 percent from full brightness.
 8. A lighting control as claimed in claim 4 wherein movable means alter the resistance value of said resistor means by moving together in predetermined sequential order, control members connected at resistance differing positions along said resistor means.
 9. A Christmas tree lighting control as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light intensity output of said Christmas tree lighting string is never diminished by more than 80 percent from full brightness.
 10. A christmas tree lighting control including in combination a power supply having at least one solid state duty cycle unit, said unit having an output of selectively different fixed duty cycles, one or more strings of Christmas tree lights electrically connected to said output, control means operable to effect predetermined fixed changes in the duty cycle of said unit without interruption of the circuit to said Christmas tree string.
 11. A Christmas tree lighting control as claimed in claim 10 wherein the said solid state duty cycle unit in said power supply includes a resistor controlled gate triggering cricuit with the resistance value of said resistor controlling the duty cycle rate of said unit, said control being operative to alter in pre-established fixed increments the resistance valve of said resistor.
 12. A Christmas tree lighting control as claimed in claim 10 wherein the light intensely output from said lighting string is never diminished by more than 80 percent from full brightness.
 13. A Christmas tree lighting control including in combination a power supply having at least one solid state duty cycle unit, said unit having an output of selectively different substantially fixed duty cycles, means for maintaining one or more strings of Christmass tree lights electrically in circuit with said output with the light emitting intensity of said lighting string being determined by the duty cycle of said unit, control means operable to selectively effect predetermined fixed changes in the duty cycle of said output without interruption of the circuit to said lighting string. 